In The Future of Faith, Harvard theologian Harvey Cox boldly announced “the unanticipated resurgence of religion in both public and private life around the globe,” while cautioning that there was a “a profound change in the elemental nature of religiousness.” Although this offered a brief glimmer of hope to many church leaders, they overlooked his observation that the changes he saw were “displacing the previous emphasis on institutions and beliefs.” Since Cox’s book first appeared, in 2009, this displacement has continued and most religious institutions continue to decline. What is the current landscape of religion? And what might the future look like? (Warning: there will be statistics.)
The Choir will sing.
Service Leader: Rev. Stefan Jonasson
Service Coordinator: Christina Swindells-Nader
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Order of Service
Centering Thought
The advance of science has increased the sense of awe we feel at the immense scale of the universe or the complexity of the human eye. People turn to religion more for support in their efforts to live in this world and make it better, and less to prepare for the next. ~ Harvey Cox, The Future of Faith (2009)
Fanfare
The Prince of Denmark’s March (Trumpet Voluntary), by Jeremiah Clarke
Daniel Clark, with nature video by Ashlyn Noble
Choral Prelude
Hava Nashirah (Come Let’s Be Singing)
the Choir, directed by Shannon Unger, accompanied by Daniel Clark
Opening Words
Come as You Are, by Sam Browne
Christina Swindells-Nader
Chalice Lighting
from Sunrise, by Mary Oliver
Christina Swindells-Nader
Gathering Hymn
#38 Morning Has Broken
Welcome and Land Acknowledgement
Christina Swindells-Nader
Widening Our Welcome
Affirmation
Love Is the Spirit
Love is the spirit of this church, the quest for truth its sacrament, and service is its law.
This is our great covenant: to dwell together in peace, to seek truth in love, and to help one another to the end that all souls shall grow into harmony with life.
Offering
Our Share the Plate Partner for May is Artbeat Studio.
The offering will be gratefully received, during or after the service. Donation options are at this link.
Offertory
Sarabande from Partita No. 1, by J.S. Bach
Daniel Clark
Reading
from The Future of Faith, by Harvey Cox
Rev. Stefan Jonasson
Hymn
#207 Earth Was Given as a Garden
Sermon
The Changing Landscape of Religion, by Rev. Stefan Jonasson
Anthem
Turn, Turn, Turn, words adapted from the book of Ecclesiastes, music by Pete Seeger, arranged by Roger Emerson
the Choir, directed by Shannon Unger, accompanied by Daniel Clark
Meditation
led by Christina, Breathing into Inter-Being, by Wei Wang
Joys and Concerns
Rev. Stefan Jonasson
Pastoral Hymn
#63 Spring Has Now Unwrapped the Flowers (sung seated)
Announcements
Christina Swindells-Nader and others
Closing Words
Blessing for the Journey, by Roshi Wendy Egyoku Nakao
Christina Swindells-Nader
Chalice Extinguishing
by Elizabeth Selle Jones
Carry the Flame
Carry the flame of peace and love until we meet again (x2)
Then we shall see a world of light and a world of joy
Carry the flame of peace and love until we meet again
Following the Service:
All Church Birthday Party, with inaugural Young Adults group in the Living Room shortly thereafter
Gratitude
Gratitude to all who made this service happen, including
- Leader: Rev. Stefan Jonasson
- Coordinator: Christina Swindells-Nader
- Music Director: Shannon Unger
- Music: the Choir, Daniel Clark (piano)
- Coordinator Lifespan Religious Exploration (CLRE): Ana G.Castañeda Aguilera
- Childcare Provider: Paulina Hernandez
- RE Volunteers: Carl von Baeyer, Debby Lake
- Tech Team: Khalil Nader, Charlene Zelanko, Theo Hawley
- Centering/fanfare videos: Ashlyn Noble
- This service’s ushers, greeters, and hospitality volunteers, including Janet Toews, Cheryl Simmonds, Paula Keirstead, Michael Thiessen
- Maintenance and set up: Jessica Hamm and Olivia Velazquez (with help today from yesterday’s rental event staff)
- Music for Affirmation: P.J. Buchan
- Chalice Sculptor & Banner Designer: Jo’Anne Kelly
- Chalice Logo Designer: Nancy Gilbert
- Pastoral Care: Rev Stefan Jonasson
- Website, Office Support, and Rentals: Nathalie Waite
To contact SunServ (Sunday Services Team) with feedback or ideas for future services, please email worship@uuwinnipeg.mb.ca
Want to help on Sunday mornings? You can sign up for a hospitality setup or cleanup shift. Please contact the Volunteer Resources Committee for other ways to help.
To welcome and include all in our beloved community, please
- limit fragrances and scented products as much as you are able,
- turn off or mute electronic devices during the service,
- refrain from taking photographs or recording unless you have the express permission of everyone involved, and
- keep aisles clear for people with mobility challenges.
Thank you!
Topics: Learning